Sydney: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has committed to making the full details of a comprehensive strategic partnership deal between China and his country available soon. The agreement has raised concerns in neighboring New Zealand, with which the Cook Islands shares constitutional ties.
New Zealand officials have expressed concerns about Brown’s visit to China, particularly because they have not seen the agreements he plans to sign before his trip, despite requesting access to them. However, after returning to the Cook Islands from China on Monday, Brown reassured the public, telling reporters that Wellington’s worries would dissipate once it reviews the deal. “The details will be out online very shortly, people can see for themselves,” he stated.
Brown also announced that China would provide the small Pacific nation, home to 15,000 people, with a one-time grant of approximately $4 million.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised objections to the deal, organizing a protest outside the parliament in the capital city of Avarua on Tuesday. Over 400 people gathered, with some holding signs reading “Stay connected with New Zealand.” Opposition leader Tina Browne remarked, “We have no problem with our government going and seeking assistance. We do have a problem when it is risking our sovereignty, risking our relationship with New Zealand.”
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Last week, China and the Cook Islands signed several bilateral cooperation agreements covering various sectors, including economy, environment, and culture, during a meeting in Harbin, China. The agreements are part of China’s broader push to increase its influence in the Pacific region, which has raised concerns among Western nations traditionally dominant in the area. In recent years, Beijing has signed numerous defense, trade, and financial deals with Pacific nations.
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The Cook Islands, while self-governing and positioned between New Zealand and Hawaii, is recognized as an independent state in international relations. Despite its independence, New Zealand provides significant budget support and is committed to defending the island nation, whose citizens hold New Zealand citizenship.
